We come to the end of Term 3, and we have certainly as a College community navigated our way through unprecedented, challenging and unique times. However, thankfully we have done so in a beautifully composed, cohesive and connected way. For that, I thank and congratulate the entire CRCCS community of staff, students, parents/carers and families. Please view the Term 3 Principals Video Message at the following link:

Click here to view the Principal Video Message Update

I would again like to congratulate our students, who have indeed made history as the first ever students to have been so resilient and agile and to have undertaken learning in such challenging and unique ways. The majority of students have been very engaged, present and involved in their learning throughout this remote learning period. A big thank you also to parents/carers and families who have supported the students through this unusual learning journey this term.

I would also like to express my thanks and gratitude to our teaching staff, who have gone above and beyond this term to ensure students have had a positive learning experience, albeit in very challenging circumstances. They have worked long hours and have tirelessly re-written curriculum, course outlines and assessment tasks to accommodate on-going remote learning. They have also undertaken various new and contemporary modes of pedagogical delivery, including the use of flipped learning, video conferencing and MS teams throughout this period to enhance the students learning experiences. These key learnings will ultimately have long term benefits for the College and will enhance future learning and teaching experiences.

We also thank the College I.T, maintenance, counselling, learning diversity, library, support and administration teams who have been actively working on-site throughout this term. They have done an exceptional job throughout the entire term and worked tirelessly and actively to prepare the College for the return to on-site learning.

Remote Learning Term 4

As you would be aware, the state government has made some significant announcements in relation to arrangements for schools in Victoria for the remainder of Term 3 and Term 4. As a College community, we are fully committed to working to provide our students with the best possible learning opportunities during these challenging times.

The Victorian Government recently released its plan for easing coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. Below is the current outline for Term 4 arrangements.

First week of Term 4, 5–9 October

Remote and flexible learning will continue for all students, except in specialist schools in rural and regional Victoria.

VCE and VCAL students can only attend on-site for essential assessments during this week, including the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Wednesday 7 October. 

Onsite supervision for children of permitted workers and vulnerable students will continue to be provided consistent with existing guidelines. 

Schools in metropolitan Melbourne from 12 October – staggered return to onsite learning

Students in Prep to Grade 2 return to full-time onsite schooling. Year 11 and 12 students will attend on-site schooling full time. More information will be made available regarding our Year 10 students enrolled in a VCE, VET or VCAL program both at CRC Sydenham and here at CRC Caroline Springs.

Remote learning will continue for all students in Grade 3 to Year 10, other than for children of permitted workers and vulnerable students. A date for the return of these year levels to face-to-face learning will be subject to further health advice.

Term 4 Student Free Day Monday 5 October

Please note that Monday 5 October will be a staff Professional Learning Day (student free day). Please record this student free day date into in your calendars. Students will return to the remote learning program on Tuesday 6 October.

Office hours during school holidays

The College office and reception area will remain open throughout the Term 3 school holidays from 8:30am to 3:30pm each day. However, strict guidelines pertaining to parents only being on-site for pre-approved meetings in extenuating circumstances are in place, including adherence to strict health and safety guidelines.

School Fees

In recognition of the financial hardship that many in our community are currently experiencing, the Federation Council and College Principals have decided not to raise School fees for 2021. This decision is taken in consideration of the outstanding efforts that most families are making in contributing regular payments towards the cost of their child's education.

All families should have already received a letter via email today, explaining that in 2021 school fees will not increase. While this will require careful budgeting and a close watch on the College finances, a cap on school fees will assist families in recovering from the economic impact of COVID-19. Once again, I thank all families who continue to pay their school fees and urge anyone who is experiencing financial difficulty to contact our Finance Manager, Deb Gee to discuss concessions.

The letter sent to all families is available below:

Click here to view the letter sent to parents/cares

2021 Positions of Leadership

The end of the 2020 school year marks the completion of the current Positions of Leadership (POL) tenure. During this term applications were called for 2021 POLs and interviews have been conducted. We are very fortunate at CRCCS that we have dedicated and highly qualified staff which creates a healthy and aspirational climate of leadership. Given that, I would like to announce those members of staff who have been successful in gaining a Position of Leadership for 2021 - 2023.

Executive Leadership Team

Principal - Jamie Madigan

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching - Lucy Swan

Deputy Principal Wellbeing - Richard Brodrick

Deputy Principal Staff and Operations - Andrew McAlindon

Head of Faith and Mission - Paul Sammut

Digital Learning Services Manager (ICT) - Luke Georgiou

Learning and Teaching Leaders

Curriculum Innovation - Brendan Jackson

Data Analysis - Elise Nowak

Student Pathways - Adam Ray

Learning Diversity Leader - Anne Crockford

Learning Area Leaders

English and Literacy - Anneliese Consiglio

Mathematics and Numeracy - Clara Cremona Millo

Health and Physical Education - Helen Beynon

Languages - Linda Bracco

Visual Arts - Deb Cooper

VCAL - Xavier Hayes

Humanities - Victoria Lalor

Science - Kelly Nguyen

Performing Arts - Yanina Martins

Technology - Matilda Mattar

EAL - Anthony Zammit

Student Wellbeing

Head of Student Wellbeing - Kiera McNally

Year Level Leader - Broderick Ashmole

Year Level Leader - Tiffany Azzopardi

Year Level Leader - Karen Bailey

Year Level Leader - Laura Bonnini

Year Level Leader - Bridget Crowe

Year Level Leader - Jamie Lee Lafferrairie

Year Level Leader - Daniel Pisani

Year Level Leader - Dawn Rodgers

House and Student Leadership Co-ordinator - Georgia Seymour

Mission and Faith

Religious Education and Formation - Kristen Calandra

Social Justice and Service - Matilda Mattar

Sport Leadership Positions

Sports and Camps Co-ordinator - Rannoch Wilkinson

Sports and Camps Assistant Co-ordinator - Georgia Seymour

Music and Performance Leadership

Performing Arts Centre and Events Co-ordinator - Katie Franzone

Head of Music Performance - Christoper McGillen

Cultural Immersion and Exchange Co-ordinator - Linda Bracco

Once again, I thank you for your patience, support and understanding throughout Term 3 and indeed the entire year, in these unique circumstances. I assure you that I, along with all staff at CRC Caroline Springs, am doing our utmost to support your child and we will continue to provide the best possible learning outcomes for all.

May God bless you and your family.

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Interim Reports Term 3 2020

Interim reports will be made available to parents/carers on Friday 18 September via SEQTA Engage. The report will provide a summary of progress made during the first nine weeks of Semester Two.

The work habits each student has been graded upon are described in greater detail for you below:

Demonstrates academic improvement

For the Pastoral Care report the work habit "Demonstrates academic improvement" should be interpreted as "Demonstrates personal growth".

Applies effort

• Attempts all tasks
• Maintains attention in class
• Participates in class
• Cooperates and collaborates in class

Manages personal learning

• Brings correct materials to class
• Organisation
• Satisfactory completion of set homework, in a timely manner
• Seeks teacher support as required

Demonstrates appropriate behavior

• Punctuality
• Works respectfully with peers and teachers

If you have any questions regarding your child’s report, please contact their subject teacher to discuss further. Student achievement within subjects may have been impacted as a result of the remote learning period, and parents/carers are asked to be mindful of this when discussing your child’s results with them.

Mr Brendan Jackson

Learning & Teaching Leader: Curriculum Innovation

Student-Parent-Teacher Interviews

On Tuesday 13 October the College has Student Parent Teacher Interviews scheduled from 9:00am to 8:00pm. These interviews are designed to provide an opportunity for students, parents/carers and teachers to discuss progress throughout Term 3 and as a time for setting learning goals for Term 4. There will be no scheduled classes for students on this day.

The Student Parent Teacher Interviews will be held online via Microsoft Teams, to ensure that the College is adhering to social distancing protocols and reducing the number of adults onsite.

Bookings will be made available for parents/carers via PTO as of Monday 21 September, however, to provide teachers the opportunity to adequately prepare for each interview, the online booking process will close for parent/carers at 9:00am on Friday 9 October.

The process for joining each Student Parent Teacher Interview will be different to the process used at the beginning of Term 3. Parents/carers and students will be required to join each Student Parent Teacher Interview via the link for the respective teacher available from the PTO Portal (see example in image below).

Students are expected to use their College MacBook to join each Microsoft Teams meeting and be present for the duration of all booked interviews with their parent/carer from a suitable place at home. Students are expected to be dressed appropriately for the interview as outlined in the Microsoft Teams Student & Parent/Carer Guidelines.

All interviews will be ten minutes duration and parents/carers are asked to adhere to these booked times and abide by the Parent/Carer/Guardian Code of Conduct during Student Parent Teacher Interviews. Interpreters will be made available for parents/carers as required for Student Parent Teacher Interviews.

In the event that families do not have internet access at home, the parent/carer is asked communicate with the subject teacher directly, prior to 9:00am Friday October 9 and a phone call will be made by the teacher to the parent during the scheduled interview time on Tuesday 13 October.

More information regarding how to access PTO and book requested interviews for your child through the PTO platform, will be made available to in the week commencing Monday 21 September.

A copy of the Student Parent Teacher Interview Policy and Parent/Carer/Guardian Code of Conduct is attached below for your reference.

Mr Brendan Jackson

Learning & Teaching Leader: Curriculum Innovation

Semester 2 Examinations

During this pandemic, among the top priorities of our College is to avoid contributing to any unnecessary stress for our students. With this in mind we have decided to cancel Semester 2 Examinations for Year 8 to Year 10 for 2020.

Another consideration for making this decision is the regained learning time at the end of the term. This extra time will be dedicated to revising and consolidating previous content covered.  

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email aray@crccs.vic.edu.au or through Direqt Message.

Mr Adam Ray

Learning & Teaching Leader: Student Pathways

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Everything has Its Time

We are very fortunate in the Catholic Church that every day at mass we are able to encounter the Sacred Word of God through scripture. The Church has a two-year cycle for weekly masses and a three-year cycle for Sundays (A, B & C). This allows us to experience a variety of readings. Next Friday the first reading is a reading from the book of Ecclesiastes (Eccl 3:1-11). Part of it features in the prayer for this edition of the newsletter. This reading is often proclaimed at funerals focusing on the limits of time we have here on earth.

We are obsessed with time and it has become so important to us lately. We are bound by time with the unavoidable experience of time through curfews; the significant time we have been away from family; the prolonged period since we have been able to go out or even the time we have had to endure staged restrictions. We have had to look at different ways we use our time and for some of us we have recognised how we can use our time for greater purpose and meaning in our lives. As humans on this earth we know that time is finite however as Catholics we believe that God is not bound by time, His time is eternal and that one day we will share in His eternal life. But for now, as we finish another term, let us take time to rest.

Father’s Day Live Stream Mass

On Friday 4 September the families of Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs were invited to give thanks to God for the wonderful gift of fatherhood and to pray for God’s continued grace and blessings upon them. Many students and their fathers watched the livestream Mass. I would like to thank Fr Richard, Parish Priest of St Catherine of Siena Parish, for his support in supporting the catholic faith of our families.

Deputy College Captain, Janine S has shared her experience of the morning.

As part of my family, one of our Father's Day traditions is to go to mass and pray for fathers and significant male figures in our and other people's lives. It is always a good day for me as I can sit in the church knowing that I have a father who supports me and my family. I am very grateful for my father and my family and Father's Day Mass always reminds me of that.  I know Father's Day isn't a very happy celebration for some but joining in this mass it lets my family and I pray for those who are in a less fortunate situation.

Because of the current situation this year I couldn't be at church, but the St Catherine of Siena parish and the CRCCS community organised a Father's day mass for the students and parishioners. The online mass still had the feeling of being able to connect with the community and being able to pray with my family. It really made my Father’s Day very enjoyable. 

I would like to thank all students, fathers, and families that joined in the celebration. And I would also like to thank Fr Richard Rosse, Deacon Chris Creo, and Seminarian Tien Tran for celebrating the mass. 

 Janine S 10CO

Lunchtime Virtual Rosary

In Term 3 several students and staff have continued to pray a decade of the rosary at the beginning of every lunch to honour Our Mother Mary. Through contemplating the mysteries of the rosary, they have been able to journey in the life Mary and our Lord, Jesus Christ offering their prayers for Mary’s intercession. This will be continued in Term 4 as we enter the month of October traditionally dedicated to the rosary.

Students who have attended the rosary have shared their experience.

I wanted to attend the Rosary to grow in my faith and love for God. I also wanted to grow in my relationship with our Holy Mother of God and I could begin that through the Rosary. My experience with the Rosary has been beautiful! It is the part of my day that I look forward to the most and it is such a lovely experience. I have learnt more about the life of Jesus in a deeper and meaningful way through this prayer. The Rosary has strengthened my faith as I have grown in my love for God and Mary. I have also learnt more about the Catholic faith on a deeper and more special level. I now make the commitment to praying the Rosary daily. 

Ivanka P 8BA

I decided to attend rosary because I didn't really know much about it. I began to attend and then I started to learn more about the prayers. It is a great experience and It only goes for a short ten minutes but it is so good to attend. It has strengthened my faith, especially during these times. It is difficult to continue the rosary from home, but it has been a great experience.

Christina S 8KO

I signed up to the rosary wanting to be able to learn how to pray the rosary, learn the different mysteries and strengthen my relationship with God. I've learnt so much from partaking in the rosary and I feel I have really been able to connect with God strongly. I've learnt so much about the mysteries and how the rosary is such a powerful prayer. I now pray the rosary in my spare time and reflect on the mysteries too.

Olivia H 7MK

'Our sacramental life': Message from Archbishop Peter A Comensoli

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUsrg5K-Ks

Click here to view Prayer in the Family Home

Click here to view Faith Spirituality in the home


Sunday Gospel Focus

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Mt 20:1-16 Parable of the workers in the vineyard

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Thank you so much to our wonderful Instrumental Music teachers who have worked hard this term to continue providing professional lessons in the areas of voice, piano, drums, bass and guitar. If your child in interested in having lessons, please do not hesitate to contact Katie Franzone (kfranzone@crccs.vic.edu.au).

Please enjoy this Junior Band performance of Seven Nation Army directed by Mr Luke Julien and produced by Ms Abby Pemmelaar.

Click here to view the junior band performing 'Seven Nation Army'

Well done to each and every student involved.

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As you are aware student immunisations have been delayed this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Melton City Council are in the process of restructuring the remainder of the 2020 immunisation program and will be in contact with the College shortly regarding the new process.

We can assure you we are working closely with Melton City Council and hope to be able to provide the second HPV vaccine by the end of this year.  Please be aware this vaccine has to be given with a  minimum 6-month gap from the first HPV vaccine. Therefore your child is not overdue for this vaccine. 

Melton City Council has asked us to reassure families that this vaccine service will be going ahead and to please avoid turning up to the baby immunisation sessions.

If you would like your child’s vaccine earlier than the date Melton City council program can offer, please contact your local GP.

We thank you in advance for your patience and will hopefully be in contact with all families shortly with more information.

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Four members of the Year 10 Virtual Band have achieved the impressive task of recording a song together during remote learning. The song ‘Sunshine’, originally by Matisyahu has been reworked by Izabela A on vocals, Caitlin D on bass, Christian T on guitar and Norah Ziino on drums. Enjoy!

Click here to view the Year 10 Band Performing 'Sunshine'

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Year 7 English students and teachers have been studying the novel ‘Wonder’ during Term 3. At the end of the unit, students were asked to reflect on their understanding of the novel and present this as a creative one-page or precept ('words to live by').

Themes explored in the novel included kindness, friendship and self-image.

Ms Mollica’s students produced thought provoking work in response to this task, which can be viewed below:

The English Learning Area would like to thank all students for their continued participation and contributions to their English classes during remote learning.

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The Year 9 School Spirit Awards are to recognise those students who, during remote learning, have contributed to their classes; have stayed connected with their teachers; and have remained motivated to keep learning. The following students were nominated by their teachers and are commended on their efforts during Term 3.

9 Barak - Alannah H, Ava B, Pierrah F

9 Bunjil - Robin G, James H

9 Coranderrk - Sara K, Claudia M, Kenzi T, Chantelle S, Isabella L, Eva M, Abbi P, Ashlee P, Caitlin S, Gemma P

9 Kororoit - Lucas J, Taliah S, Alexandra W, Brielle P

9 Kulin - Noor E

9 Marin Kurrang - Logan M

9 Wonga - Joshua D, Maria R, Ethan B, Jairus D

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Arts and Technology week will be running from Monday 12-16 October. To help celebrate and prepare for this week, teachers are running a variety of activities including competitions for you to get started on.

Food Technology is also asking that families submit via email a favourite recipe to mmattar@crccs.vic.edu.au to be included in our school cookbook.

Insert Images

Ms Cathy Mackay

Art/Tech Assistant

Arts Week is approaching in Week 2 of Term 4 12-16 October and the Performing Arts team have some great activities and competitions organised! If you love dancing, acting, playing an instrument and performing these might be the activities for you!

Music

School Band: a collaboration between staff and students to create a school band! You will need to learn a specific song on an instrument and record yourself playing. Once everyone has submitted their parts, they will be arranged and released as one video of everyone playing! (Mr Wisbey)

Song competition: perform a live recording of one of the songs listed for your chance to win some great prizes. There will be a prize for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. (Ms Martinek)

Choir Workshop with Abby Pemmpelaar: no need to be in the College Choir. Come and join Ms Pemmpelaar for a choir workshop online.

Drama: acting monologues. Choose from a range of monologues to learn and present. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. (Mrs Martins)

We look forward to seeing how creative you all can be, showcasing your talents. 

Ms Yanina Martins

Leading Teacher Performing Arts

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In Term 3 & 4 Year 9 students usually complete a City Experience program, exploring the influences that Asian and Indigenous culture have had on the Melbourne CBD, alongside different unique elements that make up the culture of Melbourne. Over the past two weeks, our Year 9 students have been focusing on the influence of Asian culture, and as part of this work were tasked with creating either origami, calligraphy, Chinese lanterns or Chinese dragons.

A student reflection on the task, alongside some images of the creations is below:

In Project 9, my class, 9 Kulin have completed several hands-on activities that are based around Martial Arts. To be specific, Tai Chi and Kung Fu. These tasks have been enjoyable to complete as it gives us a break from our computer and gets us up and moving. I have found these classes to be a lot more entertaining and easier to participate in because I personally prefer hands on learning.

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Current CRCCS families please follow the person icon on the top right hand side of our college website to view important links to our internal portal pages such as SEQTA, PTO, CareMonkey (Operoo) etc.

This is a quick note to inform you that our digital forms and school operations platform provider, CareMonkey, will be rebranding as ‘Operoo’: School processes, without the paperwork.

Operoo’s mission is to help schools eliminate operational inefficiencies so that every dollar and every minute possible can be spent on a students’ education.

The name change will occur the week beginning Monday August 3rd. How you use the service, as well as the ownership and operation of the company, will remain unchanged.

You can continue using the system, and its mobile application, as usual. Just be aware that, after Monday August 3rd, emails and notifications sent from the system will start appearing under the new name ‘Operoo’. You will also be automatically diverted to the new Operoo website if you go to the old CareMonkey website.

We look forward to continuing to digitise, streamline and automate our processes for you with Operoo.

School Fees

Payment plans for school fees are still available. Please download a direct debit form and return it to Reception at your earliest convenience.

Direct Debit Form

Please note that school fee statements are now being sent out by email. If you do however require a paper copy, please contact the finance department.

Year 9 & 10 MacBook Program

Year 9 & 10 MacBook program payment of $490.00 is now overdue If you have not paid for your child’s 2020 MacBook please contact the College Finance department to arrange payment as soon as possible.

2021 Year 7 MacBook Program

MacBook program direct debits have commenced for Grade 6 students that have been accepted into Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs for 2021. If you are having any problems with your direct debit or would still like to set up a payment plan please contact our Finance department.

The 2021 MacBook Program payment of $1977 is due in full on 29 November 2020.